I have always been confused by the UK not understanding what countries were actually involved. I think a lot of us Americans are clueless as I polled a number of friends, coworkers and associates before posting it here. I also search Google and got a general idea but nothing conclusive.

Is the UK a coalition of countries that have formed an allegiance for a common purpose? I am not asking anyone for a history lesson (busy lives and all) but just a general purpose behind the coalition.

"The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" is made up of two large entities and several smaller ones. The large elements are:

1. Great Britain - which in turn is made up of two countries (England and Scotland), and a principality (Wales).

2. Northern Ireland - which is a province, not a country. Ireland was divided in the 1920s when the southern part became independent. The larger part of the county of Ulster remained within the United Kingdom (and remains disputed by some to this day). Thus Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, but is not part of Great Britain. The inhabitants are divided into about 60% of "loyalists", who claim to be British, and 40% of "nationalists", who claim to be Irish. (Note: this is a gross oversimplification of a complex issue.)

The smaller elements are various islands, each with their own specific status. Some are part of the Britain, but not part of the UK (this is where it gets really complicated!). To name just some: Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Sark and the Isle of Man.

The United Kindom as a whole is a member of the European Union, but some of the small islands are not officially part of the EU.

"After the war, there was this feeling of no empire no longer. 'Alright everyone give them back... England?'" "'What?'" "'What do you have behind your back?'" "'Oh, just India and a number of other countries.'"